Attack on Titan: Bloodline -- Version 2

• Chapter 25 •

Dark clouds rolled in. Gentle thunder rumbled through the air, creating a dark atmosphere around the Scouts, who had moved up to the top of the wall, working on recovering their supplies and preparing Ymir for transport back to a proper medical bay. Steam was now escaping her injuries, indicating to everyone around her that she was finally healing up properly. She was strapped into a stretcher, secured with ropes. Krista sat by her side and talked with Hanji and the medical officer for several minutes. Lorraine stood at the outer edge of the wall, staring out into the wide expanse towards the horizon. She reached up with both of her hands and tousled her long, black hair as raindrops started to fall.

"How long is all this going to go on? How long will we be stuck in this loop of fighting and running and fighting and running? It's exhausting. We've lost so many people along the way. Friends. Family. Comrades. I honestly wonder how I can manage to keep going through it all."

Eren sighed and said, placing his hand on her shoulder, "Hey. What's wrong?" Lorraine turned and looked up into his blue-green eyes. She sighed, "I-it's nothing important." Eren furrowed his brow.

"You sure? You look worried."

Lorraine shook her head and turned back to the expanse. She said softly, "Yeah. I'm sure." Eren said, turning and taking his hand off her shoulder, "We're going to make it. I promise." Lorraine glanced back. Eren was already running to help Armin up the wall.

"I guess that's how. I have all of my friends behind me. My friends and my family."

She heard Reiner behind her, grunting and struggling to pull himself up the wall with only one arm. She ran over and helped to pull him up. He sat next to her and said halfheartedly, "Thanks, Love." She ran her fingers through his hair, giving him a small smile. He sighed.

"Damn it."

Eren asked, "You alright, Reiner?" He responded, "A Titan nearly gnawed my arm off. It was pathetic." Lorraine hugged his good arm and leaned on his shoulder, sliding her hand down to his and trying her best to comfort him. He continued, "I thought for sure I was a goner." She said gently, "It's alright. You're okay now." Eren sighed, "I suppose even someone as strong as you gets this way sometimes, huh?" Reiner groaned, "This is the second time for me. Damn. Lorraine, Armin, tell him."

"What...?"

Reiner elaborated, "You remember the time I was nearly crushed to death by Annie? That makes twice I've almost died!" Lorraine squeezed his hand and bit her lip. She remembered that moment all too well. It pained her to even think about it. She had nearly lost the man she loved.

"At this rate, I'll be dead before you know it-"

Eren snapped, "Reiner, quit talking like that! You chose to be a soldier, knowing that it would be rough." Reiner sighed, "Yeah, I know. But I can't help it." Lorraine bit her lip again. The rain fell steadily now, soaking the Scouts' hair and clothing. The smell of the damp air and wet grass was strong. Reiner said, standing up and pulling Lorraine gently to her feet, "Well, I suppose until we've plugged up this wall, there's no time to waste whining about it." Eren nodded and said, "Yeah. Besides, you and Bertholdt have been driven far enough away from your hometown already."

"He's right, Reiner!"

Heads turned to Bertholdt, his sudden outburst taking everyone by surprise. He suggested cheerfully, arms outstretched, "Our hometown! Let's go back! Isn't it about time we returned?" Lorraine let go of Reiner's hand. Bertholdt continued, "Compared to everything we've been through, what's left to do is easy!" Lorraine looked at the pair, her brows knitted together in confusion. Reiner stepped forward, smiling, and said, "You're right, Bertholdt. We've only got a few more steps until the end." Armin asked, "Wh-what are you guys talking about?" Before anyone could say another word, the Scouts were all running to a Garrison soldier, who came to report on the Wall's status. As Eren, Armin, Mikasa, and Lorraine approached, they realized that it was Mr. Hannes. He panted, sitting in front of Hanji, "There's...no hole...! Anywhere...!" Hanji asked frantically, "What do you mean, 'there's no hole'? There's gotta be one somewhere!" Hannes said, folding his arms, "Exactly what I thought, too, but we searched all night, but there is no hole. At least, not between the districts of Trost and Krolva. We bumped into soldiers from Krolva and retraced our steps. We haven't even seen a single Titan the entire way here." Lorraine frowned. Eren mocked him, his hands resting on his hips.